Sprinkler.



L. SHAW.

. SPRINKLER.

Y APPLICATION man SEPT-24. 1914.

Patented'Sept. 4, 1917.

WllED @ATE PAENT LEONARD SHAW, OF MIAMI, FLORIDA.

SPRINKLER.

Application filed September 24, 1914..

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEONARD SHAW, a citizen ofthe United States ofAmerica, and a resident of Miami, county of Dade, State of Florida, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Sprinklers, of which thefollowing is a specification.

The main objects of this invention are to provide sprinkler heads withimproved means for controlling the volume and distribution of a fluidstream; to provide im provements in rotary nozzles whereby they may besupported by the fluid stream so as to practically eliminate friction;to provide means for preventing such nozzles from being disturbed byfluctuations in pressure; to

provide a suitable windshield for such rotary nozzles; and to provideimproved means for automatically compensating for changes in pressureand velocity so as to maintain an approximately uniform. discharge fromthe nozzle.

in illustrative embodiment of this invention is shown in theaccompanying drawings, in which Figure l is an axial section of asprinkler head constructed according to this invention' Fig. 2 is asection of the rotary nozzle member, taken on the line AA of Fig. 1.

3 is a sectional elevation of a regu lating device for automaticallyadjusting the flow of liquid to compensate for changes in pressure andvelocity.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section of the rotary nozzle member illustratingthe distribution of pressure due to impact of the water on the interiorsurfaces of the rotary nozzle during normal operation.

.The device shown in the drawings is arranged especially for irrigationpurposes where a great number of sprinklers are connected in one system,making it desirable to definitely control the quantity of waterdelivered by each sprinkler so as to insure substantially uni formdistribution of water over the entire area sprinkled regardless ofdifferences in pressure at different points in the system. To this endit is important that the sprinkler units be of simple and inexpensiveconstruction, be capable of manual adjustment to predetermine the rateat which the water is to be delivered by each sprinkler, and be providedwith mecl'ianism adapted to automatically maintain a substantiallyuniform flow, within reasonable limits, throughout a considerable rangeof Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 4t, ll'llllt.

Serial No. 863,290.

variation in the pressure of the water delivered to the sprinkler units.

In principle of operation, the sprinkler herein described is somewhatsimilar to that of the different specifieconstruction described in mycopending application for patent, Serial Number 6,132, filed August 18,19155, and certain features common to both forms and not broadly claimedherein, are made the subject matter of claims in said copendingapplication.

In the drawings. a stand pipe 1 is shown supporting a stationary taperednozzle mem ber and having a threaded joint 3 therewith. A spider ii: issupported by the nozzle member 2, and carries a spindle 5, having a heador enlarged part in the form of a double cone 6 at its upper end.Normally supported (when at rest) on the apex of the enlarged part ofthe spindle is arotary sprinkler head or nozzle member 7, having jetorifices S, 9 and 10, as shown in Fig. 2, the channels leading to theseorifices being inclined upwardly and one or more of them being bent orcurved to one side from the radial direction to cause rotation of thesprinkler head by the reaction of the jet in the well known way. In thearrangement shown in Fig. 2, the passages leading to the orifices 8, 9and 10 are ditii'erently curved with respect to the radial direction,for the purpose of insuring such distribution of the water as to effectan approximately uniform wetting of the area sprinkled throughout theextent thereof, it being understood that the curvature of these channelsshould be such that' rotation of the sprinkler head will result, eventhough the direction of one or more of the jets may be such as to opposesuch rotation. Since the jet 8 is approximately radial in direction, itthrows the greater part of its water to the outer limits of the wettedarea. Since the jet 9 approaches more closely the tangential direction,its influence would predominate and control the direction of rotation.Since the channel leading to the orifice 10 is gradually expanded. inarea toward said orifice, it has the effect of checking the velocity ofthe stream passing through it, and its tendency to rotate the s n'inklerhead in the opposite direction is more or less offset by the pull due tothe checking of the velocity. This expanding nozzle also breaks the jetand deposits it over an area of small radius.

The flared skirt like body 7.1 of the rotary nozzle member 7 overhangsthe stationary nozzle and is provided with vanes 11 to retard itsrotation through the resistance offered by water surrounding the rotarymemher 7 and contained in the tube or jacket 12, which is secured at itslower end to the sta tionary nozzle member 2. At the upper end of thetube 12 is a flange 1i cooperating with flanges 15 and 13 on the rotarynozzle member 7 to prevent the latter from becoming de tached. Theflange 13 is connected to the nozzle by the depending part 16 thereof.The nozzle member 7 communicates with the stationary nozzle 2 by meansof a throat or passage 17 leading tothe jet orifices S, 9 and. 10. g j

-' The throat 17 is substantially a continuation of the stationarynozzle 2, but is proportioned so as not to restrict the free flow of thejet of water issuing from the stationary nozzle. The lower end of thepassage 17 is flared slightly where it adjoins the skirt 7.1, and theupper end is also flared where it adjoins the passages 8.1, 9.1 and10.1. These last mentioned passages are likewise so proportioned as toavoid re-' stricting the free flow therethrough of the volume of waterdelivered by the stationary nozzle, and the surfaces of said passagesare so a rranged that the impact of the stream of water thereon will besuflicient to support the weight of the rotary nozzle 2 and allow thesame to rotate without frictional contact with stationary parts. Theconoidal surface 6.1 of the head of the spindle serves to spread the jetof water quickly toward all sides and to direct it into the generaldirection of the upwardly inclined passages 8.1, 9.1 and 10.1.

hen the water is turned off, the parts will be in the position shown inFig. 1, with the rotary nozzle member resting on the conical tip 6 ofthe spindle 5. hen the device is in operation, the jet of waterdischarged by r the stationary nozzle passes through the throat 17substantially without resistance, is diverted by the conoidal surface6.1, as illustrated in Fig. l, and impinges against the upper surfacesof the passages 8.1, 9.1 and 10.1, in the vicinity of the spindle, thegreatest pressure due to such impact being in the localitiescorresponding to that designated 8.2 of Fig. 1, and there iscorrespondingly an area of low pressure in the localities correspondingto that designated 8.3 in the lower part of the passage. This actioncauses the rotary nozzle member to be lifted, but as it rises, thepressure of the deflected stream upon the surface 8.2 decreases, and thepressure at the area 8.3 increases. This action causes the rotary nozzlemembe 7 to be lifted from the position indicated by broken lines in Fig.4, into the position indicated by solid lines. The upward movement ofthe rotary member is checked by the resistance of the fluid streamagainst which the lower side is lifted, until a balance of forces isthereby effected to maintain the rotary member entirely out of contactwith the conical tip 6 of the spindle. The passages for water throughthe rotary nozzle are designed to ermit the waterto flow freely throughit without creating back pressure in the vicinity of the outlet of thestationary nozzle. Inasmuch as there is no restriction to the flow ofliquid through the passages of the rotary nozzle, and no static pressurein the throat 1.7, there will be no leakage of water between thestationary and rotary nozzles when the device is in operation.

Since there is no escape of liquid at 18 between the rotary andstationary nozzle members, no packing is necessary at this point and noouter casing is necessary, but it is desirable in some locations toprovide a casing 12 as a wind shield for the rotary nozzle.

This is preferably made water-tight at its.

lower end so that it will hold a quantity of water which may be utilizedas a governing medium coacting with vanes 11 on the member 7 to steadythe rotation of the member 7.

In order to permit of manually adjusting the delivery of the nozzle tocompensate for differences in pressure of the water supply at differentparts of asystem, and thus insure that the various sprinklers willdeliver substantially equal quantities of water, a

suitable hand valve may be provided adjacent to each sprinkler. In theform shown, this valve comprises a sleeve 20 tapped into the wall of thepipe 1 and carrying atight fitting threaded plug 21 which may be screwedinto the pipeso as to obstruct to a more or less extent the flow ofwater through it, such plugbeing made of sufficient diameter to give thedesired degree of adjustment. Such regulator is in some placespreferable to an ordinary valve, as it is less likely to be tamperedwith and is comparatively inexpensive,

In order-that the stream issuing from the stationary nozzle 2 may remainsubstantially uniform throughouta considerable range of pressurefluctuation in the supply main, means are provided'for automaticallyregulating the pressure at the nozzle 2. In the form shown, a springblade or tongue 22 is pivotally carried by a pin 23 at the lower edge ofa rectangular opening 24 formed in the side of the pipe 1 and has a partbelow the pivot adapted to move into the pipe 1 and obstruct the flow,as indicated in Fig. 1. Said tongue also has a part extending above thepivot and bearing against the shoulder 25 at the top of the opening24:and acting as a leaf spring normally urging the blade 22 toward itsnormal vertical position, indicated by full line in Fig. 1. Pivotallyconnected to the middle of the upper part of the tongue 22 is a stem26secured to a diaphragm 27 spanning an opening 24-, and provided withannular corrugations, as is usual in metal diaphragms.

Lock nuts 28 and 29 on the stem 26coact with the diaphragm and with anadjusting spring 30 for adjusting the action of tongue 22, spring 30being provided with a stop screw The water pressure forces the diaphragm27 outward and causes the tongue 22 tov project into the pipe more orless, according to the adjustment of the stem 26 with respect todiaphragm 27 and spring 80. It will be noted that the tongue 22 is alsosensitive to the impact of the water against it. The static pressureacting on the diaphragm urges the tongue 22 across the pipe and a changein the velocity of the water flowing through the pipe also tends toswing or bend the tongue so as to increase or decrease its resistance tothe flow.

In operation, the maximum flow of water through each sprinkler fornormal pressure is adjusted manually by setting the hand valve or plug21; then if any fluctuations occur in the pressure they areautomatically compensated for by the tongue 22 and its connections sothat the delivery of water to the stationary nozzle 2 remainssubstantially constant. After these manual and automaticregulatingdevices are once adjusted, no attention uecdbe given to themunder ordinary running conditions. The jet of water issuing from nozzle2 supports the rotary head wholly or in part sothat it revolves freelywith a minimum of friction, the rota tion of said head being steadied bythe vanes 11 acting on the water in the Wind shield 12 in case windshield is used.

The member 7 is balanced on the jet of water, the lifting force of thejet being opposed by the force of gravity, and the on larged head 6 onthe spindle 5 assists in this balancing of the member 7, by reason ofthe fact that it acts in deflecting, wholly or in part, the verticaldirection of the jet in the passage 1'7, and in changing the velocity offlow between the surfaces 6.1 and flared portion of passage 17.

Although but one specific embodimentbf this invention has been hereinshown and described, it will be understood that numerous details of theconstruction shown may be altered or omitted without departing from thespirit of this invention as defined by the following claims.

I claim: V

1. A sprinkler, comprising a stationary nozzle, and a rotary nozzle inalinement with said stationary nozzle, said rotary noz-- zle beingshaped to cause the sameto be balanced, supported and rotated by a jetdischarged by said stationary nozzle.

2. A sprinkler, comprising a stationary.

nozzle, a rotary nozzle having a passage therethrough including a threatin alinement with said stationary nozzle and an out let orifice fordischarging a jet at an angle A to the axis of said rotary nozzle, theinterior of said rotary nozzle being shaped to cause the same to bebalanced and supported by the stream flowing through it, independentlyof contact between the stationary and rotary nozzles.

4.. A sprinkler, comprising a stationary nozzle arrangedto discharge avertical jet, and a rotary nozzle having a passage therethroughincluding a throat in alinement with said stationary nozzle, said throatbeing larger at its lower end than the orifice of said stationary nozzleand said passage being shaped and adapted to cause said rotarynozzle tobe supported by the stream discharged by said stationary nozzle withoutgiving rise to back pressure between said nozzles. j

5. A sprinkler, comprising a converging nozzle arranged to discharge avertical jet, and a rotary nozzle having a passage therethroughincluding a throat in alinement with said converging nozzle and having askirt overhanging said converging nozzle and normally out of contacttherewith, said passage being shaped to coact with the jet from saidfirst nozzle to balance said rotarynozzle without causing back pressurebe tween said nozzles.

6. A device of the class described, coniprising a stationary nozzlearranged to discharge a vertical jet, and a rotary member having apassage therethrough including a throat arranged for receiving such jetfrom said stationary nozzle and lateral branch passages outwardly andoppositely directed,

the outlet of said stationary nozzle being of smaller area than thecross-section of said throat and also than the total cross-sectiomilarea of the passage through said rotary member, whereby a streamprojected from said stationary nozzle may cause rotation of said rotarymember without producing back pressure or leakage between saidstationary and rotary members.

7. A sprinkler, comprising a vertically disposed stationary nozzle, arotary nozzle above said stationary nozzle and having therein a threatin alinement with said stationary nozzle, said throat being flared at.llO

its lower end so as to be normally out of contact with said' stationarynozzle and being proportioned so as to receive the jet fromsaidstationary nozzle and coact therewith to support said rotary nozzleclear of said stationary nozzle, and means for preventing lateraldisplacement of said rotary nozzle.

8. A sprinkler, comprising a vertically disposed stationary nozzle, arotary nozzle above said stationary nozzle and having therein a throatin alinement with said stationary nozzle, said throat being flared atits lower end so as to be normally out of contact with said stationarynozzle and be ing proportioned so as to receive the jet from saidstationary nozzle and coact therewith to support said rotary nozzleclear of said stationary nozzle, and a casing secured to said stationarynozzle and surrounding said rotary nozzle to protect the same fromlateral wind pressure.

9. A sprinkler, comprising a vertically disposed stationary nozzle, arotary nozzle above said stationary nozzle and having therein a throatin alinement with said sta tionary nozzle, said throat being flared atits lower end and proportioned so as to receive the jet from saidstationary nozzle and coact therewith to support said rotary nozzleclear of said stationary nozzle, a casing mounted on said stationarynozzle and surrounding said rotary nozzle and adapted to hold a quantityof water, and vanes on saidrotary nozzle positioned to coact with waterin said casing to steady the rotation of said rotary nozzle.

10. In a sprinkler, the combination of a stationary vertical nozzlearranged to discharge a vertical jet, a spindle extending axially upwardtherefrom and having an enlarged part for spreading said jet, and arotary nozzle loosely engaging said spindle above said stationary nozzleand having its interior formed to coact with the jet from saidstationary nozzle to support said rotarynozzle clear of said stationarynozzle and spindle.

11. In a sprinkler, the combination of a stationary vertical nozzle, aspindle extending axially upward therefrom, a rotary nozzle looselyengaging said spindle above said stationary nozzle and having itsinterior formed to coact with the jet from said stationary nozzle tosupport said rotary nozzle clear of said stationary nozzle, said rotarynozzle having a throat surrounding said spindle and said spindle havinga part thereon shaped to act as a baflie for varying the flow whensaid'rotary nozzle rises and thereby controlling the lifting effect ofsaid jet to balance said rotary nozzle thereon.

12. A sprinkler, comprising a stationary nozzle, a rotary nozzle 1nallnement with said stationary nozzle, said rotary nozzle being shapedto cause the same to be balanced and rotated through the impact of a jetdis charged by said stationary nozzle, said rotary nozzle having anoutlet orifice with a gradually expanding passage leading thereto.

13. A sprinkler, comprising a stationary nozzle arranged to discharge avertical jet, a rotary nozzle in alinement with said stationary nozzle,said rotary nozzle being shaped to cause the same to be balanced androtated by the jet discharged by said stationary nozzle, said rotarynozzle having a plurality of outlet orifices, one of said orifices beingdirected tangentially with respect to the axis of said rotary nozzle andfacing opposite to the direction of rotation thereof, and another ofsaid orifices having a gradually expanding passage leading thereto andfacing in the direction of rotation.

' 1 1. In a sprinkler, the combination of a stationary vertical nozzle,a spindle extending axially upward therefrom, a rotary nozzlesurrounding said spindle above said stationary nozzle and havingitsinterior formed to coact with the jet from said stationary nozzle tosupport said rotary nozzle clear of said stationary nozzle, said spindlehaving at its upper end a head shaped to defleet the stream of liquidlaterally,whereby the same is caused to react on said rotary nozzle toresist the upward movement thereof.

15. In a sprinkler, the combination of a stationary vertical nozzle, arotary nozzle above and in alinement with said stationary nozzle, saidrotary nozzle being shaped to cause the same to be supported and rotatedby a jet discharged by said stationary nozzle, a head mounted above saidrotary nozzle and connected with said stationary nozzle, said headhaving a surface shaped to coact with the stream delivered by saidstationary nozzle and cause the latter to react on said rotary nozzle toresist the upward movement thereof.

16. A device of the class described, comprising a stationary nozzlearranged to discharge a vertical jet, and a rotary member having apassage 'therethrough arranged for receiving such jet from saidstationary nozzle, the outlet of said stationary nozzle be ing ofsmaller area than the totalcross-sectionalarea of the passage throughsaid rotary member, whereby a stream projected,

from said stationarynozzle may cause rotation of said rotary memberwithout producing back pressure or leakage between said stationary androtary members, said stationary nozzle member being provided with meansprojecting into said rotary member and suitably formed to deflect thejet for the purpose of controlling the impact of said jet against saidrotary member.

17. In a sprinkler, the combination of a communicating with theaforesaid passage 10! stationary nozzle member, and a rotary inemandhaving a greater combined area. her having a passage therein forreceiving a Signed at Miami this 17 day of Sept, fluid jet from saidstationary nozzle mem- 1914. ber, said passage being in cross-sectionalT area equal to or greater than the outlet of LEOBARD said stationarynozzle member, said rotary Witnesses: member being provided with aplurality of ROY MILLER, oppositely directed branch outlet passagesWVINIFRED MIX.

Copies 01. this patent may be obtained for five cents each, byaddressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

